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Preparing students for the future | GUEST OPINION

Yes, Marysville School District is all about literacy, math and graduation. In addition, our mission statement says “Every student ... 100 percent ... prepared for success in college, career and responsible citizenship”.

Preparing for the Future

On April 17, nearly 1,000 students from Marysville’s eight high schools participated in Opportunity Expo 2012. This dynamic college, career, and work fair showed all juniors, district-wide, many, many opportunities both now and for their future.

In a global economy, student success, family success, community success depends on preparation. Most family wage jobs now require at least one year of college, technical or trade school and just one year of college doubles lifetime earnings. Renee Roman Nose, Northwest Indian Education Site Manager for Tulalip Tribes, addressed students in the morning sessions and shared “passing up college is like throwing away a lottery ticket worth $1 million in lifetime earnings.”

Over 150 colleges, technical schools, trade schools, military options, and local business leaders were present to talk with students about their options. Members of the Marysville and Tulalip business communities shared their experience, knowledge and expertise, and offered guidance to students as they pondered the many choices they have for their future. Many, many students shared their thanks and appreciation for the Expo.

In a post-Expo message to the students, Jodi Runyon, Planning Committee Chair, shared a message with the students on behalf of the committee: “You came prepared, dressed for success and ready to learn about the opportunities available to you. Your behavior was respectful, professional and courteous. We are very proud of you and very proud of the partnership between the district, Marysville Rotary, and the Tulalip Tribes and that we could make this opportunity possible”.

Steps to Success

Steps to Success is a pathway for students to follow that leads to readiness for success in college, career and citizenship. These steps, which support the district’s goals around student achievement, are the foundation for preparing our students for success now and in the future.

Community Partnership

This event would not have happened without broad community support from so many. Opportunity Expo 2012 was provided to our students through a partnership between the Marysville School District, Marysville Rotary and the Tulalip Tribes.

Thank you, Marysville for coming together to support our students — our future.

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